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Best Food Trucks In The Twin Cities

When it comes to good eats on the streets, Minneapolis and St. Paul are really making quite a name for themselves. A somewhat new venture for both cities, just starting last year, food trucks really hit the ground running — offering downtown diners both the convenience of a quick meal and the pleasure of enjoying the outdoors during our only “good” months.

With a new city council approval, Minneapolis will soon see even more food carts, but until then, here’s just a few of our favorites. Feel free to comment below and let us know if we missed your favorite. (Being mobile and all, it can be tricky to nail them all down!) For locations for most trucks and stands, check their Twitter page.

(credit: CBS)

Smack Shack

Two words: Lobster Roll. A little slice of heaven so good that it was named one of the best lobster rolls not only in the city, but in the country. Yeah, they’re kind of a big deal. Beyond the lobster roll, the menu boasts some of the best in shrimp, sausage and more, including the ever-tasty Po’ Boys. Finish a meal off with their seasoned French fries and you’ll understand why there’s always a line at the Smack Shack.

Nate Dogs

Nate is a hot dog genius. He takes only the best ingredients — MN wieners, homemade sauerkraut and tangy mustard — and throws a classic on its head. You gotta try these dogs.

(credit: CBS)

128 Mobile Café

Downtown St. Paul
On Kellogg, between St. Peter and Wabasha, on WednesdaysWebsite
@128cafe

128 Café takes the same approach to their cozy Cleveland Avenue restaurant as they do with their oh-so-cozy St. Paul food truck. Here, the only difference in the food is the way that it’s served. The uber-famous 128 BBQ baby back ribs are a must for eating on the go, served in a perfect lunch portion with plenty of that special sweet and spicy BBQ sauce.

(credit: CBS)

Turkey To Go

Every day is Thanksgiving Day at Turkey To Go — except at this popular food truck, you’re guaranteed fresh, juicy turkey sandwiches every time. Turkey To Go has been a long favorite at the Minnesota State Fair and more recently, at Target Field. So it only made sense to park a vendor on Nicollet Mall and hit the always bustling lunch crowd.

(credit: CBS)

Barrio

Though the menu will be constantly changing at this south-of-the-border truck, fans of the restaurant can expect those same big flavors and tasty bites. An assortment of tacos, burritos, fantastic salsas and that heavenly guacamole will typically be offered, plus Jarritos beverages in a variety of flavors.

(credit: CBS)

Gastrotruck

Downtown St. Paul
On Kellogg, between St. Peter and Wabasha, on WednesdaysWebsite
@gastrotruck

The folks behind Gastrotruck are what good eats on the street is all about — two food lovers who left the corporate world to get back to the roots of feeding and meeting the people. The menu here, while always changing, has a great variety of sliders — from fried egg to black bean and oat. The mac and cheese is always a must and the smoked chicken keeps fans coming back for more.

(credit: CBS)

Fork In The Road

Downtown St. Paul, Mears Park
On Kellogg, between St. Peter and Wabasha, on WednesdaysWebsite
@ForkNRoadTruck

Fork in the Road is a favorite for the St. Paul crowd — often selling out during busy days at the Capitol. A variety of pasta salads, quesadillas, gourmet sliders (try the salmon) and more keep the cooks in this kitchen always hopping. The menu standout, however, has to be the grilled cheese selection — especially the one toting juicy pulled pork.

(credit: Magic Bus Cafe)

Magic Bus Cafe

Various events and farmers markets
On Kellogg, between St. Peter and Wabasha, on WednesdaysWebsite
@magicbushotdogs

Known for their stellar combinations of juicy hot dogs, made in the comforts of a psychedelic food bus, Magic Bus definitely leaves a lasting impression, wherever it happens to land. Magic Bus has something for everyone — vegan options, curry relish and even a scrambled organic eggs dog.

(credit: CBS)

Chef Shack

Various Farmer’s Markets
On Kellogg, between St. Peter and Wabasha, on WednesdaysWebsite
@chefshack1

They’ve been hailed as the place to eat at the Mill City Farmer’s Market and given their ever-bustling line, it’s clear to see their worth the wait. From bison burgers to tongue — yes, tongue — tacos, Chef Shack is always pushing the limits of the typical food truck. A must try? Their Indian spice mini donuts.

(credit: CBS)

World Street Kitchen (WSK)

From the team behind the highly delicious restaurant, Saffron, brothers Saed and Sameh Wadi are bringing an international offering to the street food game. Boasting big flavors and the freshest of ingredients, WSK’s menu includes short rib pho, bahn mi (chicken or mushroom), yum yum rice bowls and to finish any meal, a salted caramel ice cream sandwich.

(credit: CBS)

Dandelion Kitchen

The iconic yellow truck of Dandelion Kitchen is a good indication of what you’ll find inside. Fresh, bright flavors of local, organic food. The downtown lunch menu features specially crafted sandwiches (try the grilled ham and brie) and housemade sodas including lemon ginger and rosemary grapefruit.

(credit: CBS)

Meritage Crepe Booth

Outside the Meritage restaurant, 410 St. Peter St. in St. PaulWebsite
@meritage_stpaul

So it’s not exactly your typical food truck but if we’re talking about good eats on the street than Meritage simply must be included. Their adorable and delectable crepe stand always seems to attract attention with a variety of sweet and savory flavors keeping the menu — and its customers — on their toes daily.

(credit: CBS)

Simply Steve’s

On Kellogg, between St. Peter and Wabasha, on WednesdaysWebsite
@simplysteves

If you’re the all-day breakfast type, then Simply Steve’s is just the place to get your scones, fresh muffins and breakfast sandwiches at any time of day. For the lunchers, stop by for burgers, brats and sandwiches including a cajun turkey burger with chipotle mayo.